PC2015.16994

Image of a copy of a letter written to a local paper by Josiah Rose.  Article states:- "Leigh Grammar School Library.  The following letter has recently appeared in the local papers:- SIR, The interesting collection of books left by Ralph Pilling to the Leigh Grammar School nearly 200 years ago, is  I am afraid, not valued as it should be, and there is a danger that its existence will again almost be forgottne.  Nearly six years, ago, when I catalogued and first described the books, they were in a shocking state of dust and disorder; and to such a state they will certainly return if allowed to remain in the old cupboard at the Grammar School.   The books may not be of great intrinisic or literary value - except perhaps, the small volume containg the autograph of the martyr Cranmer - but the library has associations and a history which should make it worth preserving with a reverent care.  If the editors of our local papers will allow me, I would make an appeal to former Grammar School boys, and ask them to join me in providing a suitable bookcase of durable oak in which the old books may find a proper resting place.  The Trustees of the School will certainly accept such a gift, and I shall be happy to prepare a proper catalogue of the books for preservation with them in the case.  The cost of such a bookcase should not much exceed £5, and this I am hopeful will soon be contributed by "old boys" who remember the library as a legacy from a benefactor of their shcool or by those who value all books as "legacies that genius leaves to mankind".  Yours truly, Josiah Rose, 59, Bond Street, Leigh.  Sept. 22nd, 1883".

Leigh Grammar School

1883